12 dead, 48 hurt in Panchkula violence: Haryana Home Secy

Chandigarh, Aug 25 (IANS) At least 12 people have died in Panchkula in the violence that ensued after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim was convicted in a rape case on Friday, Haryana Home Secretary Ram Niwas said.

Around 48 others have been injured “as a result of reaction” to the verdict, he added.

“We are taking steps to contain the agitators.”

“Those who indulge in violence have been identified. We have footage of most of them and we will take strong action. The anti-social elements have been taken out from the main areas of the city and the remaining will be pushed out by the evening,” he said, while appealing to Dera supporters to maintain restraint.